STUDENT/INTERN

Working at The McDowell Center for Children means building a career that is dynamic and satisfying; having the opportunity to work and learn from some of Tennessee's leading mental health professionals; and being a part of something meaningful that changes the world, one child at a time. Working at The McDowell Center for Children is a life path. At The McDowell Center for Children, we seek high performing, compassionate professionals dedicated to impacting the lives of youth ages 12-17years. If you have a desire to make a difference through the work that you do, The McDowell Center may be the place for you.

The purpose of the Unpaid MSW Intern Therapist position is to carry a caseload of patients with a primary psychiatric disorder for whom he/she would compile assessments and treatment plans with a primary diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.  They also engage in family, individual and group counseling, and develop and deliver groups of varying types.  All therapists are required to document interactions within policy requirements and participate in treatment team meetings and staffings.  MSW Intern Therapist work under the close and direct supervision of the Clinical Services Director to assist in program development and implementation for their assigned unit.  MSW Intern may give feedback and assistance to mental health technicians (line staff) related to program implementation and problem solving.  MSW Intern Therapist does not provide oversight, mentorship, supervision or direction to other therapists.  On a limited basis, MSW Intern Therapist may collaborate with the Clinical Services Director in implementing training for mental health technicians. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work working towards Masters

Experience: Some clinical experience in a psychiatric or mental health treatment setting.

Certifications: CPR, HWC Certification and Verbal De-Escalation

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Know theories and principles of counseling and psychotherapy; symptoms, characteristics and treatment of mental illness, emotional and behavioral disorders.  Understand individual, group and family intervention techniques; family systems approaches to treating individuals with mental illness. Know treatment team dynamics.  Know laws governing abuse and neglect of clients; ethical standards of care and treatment.  (general) Psychotropic medications including desired effects, common side effects and drug interactions.  Understand English grammar and punctuation sufficient to record information in client charts.  Know interventions used in response to assaultive behaviors.  Understand universal precautions and infection control procedures.  Know policies of the facility and department.  Know expectations for compliance with Joint Commission standards as well as CMS and State requirements.  Understand individual, family and group therapy principles and techniques.  Know crisis intervention strategies.  Know treatment planning and implementation strategies.  Understand regulatory and review entities.  Know mandatory reporting statutes, patients’ rights, and civil commitment protocol.  Utilize verbal interventions in response to hostile and/or combative behaviors.  Organize or prioritize workloads to meet deadlines.  Perform excellent telephone etiquette; utilize phone protocols.  Communicate effectively orally or in writing.  Demonstrate excellent leadership and negotiation skills.  Provide excellent customer service.  Complete clinical assessments.  Manage conflicting situations.   Recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups, (child, adolescent, adult) and levels of services provided.  Learn behavior modification and assaultive behavior intervention techniques.  Establish rapport and develop positive interpersonal relationship with patients.  Establish clear therapeutic boundaries.  Work individually and as part of a team.  Make suggestions to the treatment team based on observations of the patient.  Assess, develop and implement treatment plans and goals; write comprehensive evaluations.  Assess and utilize social, agency and community care providers; develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, medical and mental health professionals, social services agency representatives and others.